If the fan itself has failed, the converter can overheat and potentially damage components or lead to shorts in the system.Ĭonnect the multimeter to the power fan’s power source. Ideally, the fan should be turning on periodically to help cool the internal components. The Converter fan is often a common culprit for converter problems. Give the converter a good look for any signs or smells of burned out wires or other internal faults. 3: A Failure In The Converters Cooling Fan If the voltage of the batteries holds steady at the maximum charge, then it’s like a converter issue. This requires opening the sealed battery and working with the kind of components that aren’t safe for the average person. Though if you have the time on your hands, you might be able to find a battery technician who can recondition your batteries for a minimal charge. You will need to replace the batteries with a new one or reconditioned 12-Volt RV batteries. To fix This Test The Batteries With A Voltage Or Multimeter To Make Sure They Are Holding A Charge Most of the time you will need to replace the problematic battery. If the voltage numbers are going down, then it’s likely a battery problem. If you check the batteries with a multimeter or voltage meter an hour later, they should still give you the same fully charged reading. This essentially isolates your electrical system. To do this you’ll want to hook them up to a battery charger for several hours to get each battery to the maximum. If your batteries are clean and pristine, the next thing you want to do is check their ability to hold a charge. 2: The Batteries Losing The Ability To Hold A Charge Once the battery terminal and components are clean you will need to check if the batteries are indeed capable of holding a charge. Gently scrub the battery terminals and the attachment componentsĬarefully wipe the terminals and components with a clean paper towel Rub some of the paste on an old toothbrush or a small wire brush Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of waterĬarefully disconnect the power lead and ground from the RV batteries The battery posts and connection hardware will need a good cleaning. To Fix This Problem Check And Clean The Batteries The corrosion could simply be preventing a proper connection to the rest of the RV’s electrical system. It might not even be a true technical fault. Sometimes a buildup of greenish or white corrosion can get to a point where the batteries can’t receive a charge or receive a minimal charge. If your RV converter not charging batteries when plugged into shore power you need to take a close look at the contact posts of your RV batteries. The following troubleshooting steps will help you narrow down what the problem or problems might be with your RV’s converter or batteries. In some cases, you might even be able to complete the repair yourself. If you are a little bit handy, and you happen to have an electrical multimeter or voltage meter you might be able to troubleshoot why your RV converter isn’t charging the batteries. 8 Reasons Why Your RV’s Power Converter Is Not Charging The Batteries And How To Fix? So, even after you have purchased the part, you truly should seek out a licensed, and certified installer. It could also void that portion of your warranty coverage. If you attempt to install it yourself and there is an electrical fault, later on, your RV insurance provider might not cover the claim. However, a converter for a much larger Class A motorhome, with its complex electrical system could run you as much as $1,500 and certainly requires professional installation. A smaller converter in a lightweight travel trailer might only cost between $125 to $150. Unfortunately, the cost to completely replace an RV converter can vary a lot. When you have a problem with your RV converter, you might be tempted to simply purchase and install a new converter. You can take the time to troubleshoot it and fix it yourself, or if you have the extra budget, you could simply choose to completely replace it. If you are seeing numbers that are less than this, or inexplicably higher, on a multi-meter, then chances are there is a serious problem with your converter. This will translate into a reading at the onboard batteries of 11 to 13 volts. When your RV’s converter is working properly, it should have a voltage reading between 110 to as much as 130 volts. This is the opposite of the RV’s inverter which changes DC power from the batteries into AC power used by a lot of common appliances like your RV’s microwave. This means changing the current from AC to DC. Conclusion What Does An RV Converter Do?Īn RV converter essentially alters 110 volt AC from a source like an RV park’s shore power to The 12-volt onboard RV batteries.
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